The Ration Challenge is where participants eat only the same weekly rations as refugees.

Imagine living on just a small amount of rice and pulses? This is the daily reality for Syrian refugees ­— and a Newark woman this week.

Rebecca Brompton, 31, is taking part in the Ration Challenge, where participants have only the same amount of food that refugees live on for a week.

Participants are given a ration pack containing 420g of rice, 170g lentils, 85g dried chickpeas, 120g tinned sardines, 400g kidney beans and 330ml vegetable oil. They can also buy an additional 1.5kg of rice and 400g of plain flour using coupons included in the ration pack. Only water is permitted for drinks.

Money raised goes to funding health care, education, and food supplies for Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Rebecca said: “On a scale from one to ten on the hunger scale, I would say I am at about a seven or eight, but not as hungry as the people who have to live like that on a daily basis.”

She finishes the week-long challenge Sunday, and is hoping to raise at least £150.

“That will feed a refugee for a year, and if I can help to feed one person for a year that would be amazing,” she said.

Rebecca was inspired to take part in the Ration Challenge after seeing an advert online, and said it brought back memories from her childhood.

She said: “I grew up in a big family and it was hard to provide varied meals. I remember the first Chinese takeaway we had when we could afford it. It made me think about children who just eat rice every day and they don’t get the choices for food that we have, so I wanted to do something.”

Participants can earn additional rewards and extras. For example, sponsoring yourself earns a spice of your choice, and emailing five or more people asking for sponsorship gets one teabag.

Despite the limited ingredients, Rebecca has made some tasty meals: “I’ve made some Hummus from the chick peas, and some flat breads from just flour and water. I have also made lentil soup, and been eating a lot of rice so far.

"I am.absolutely exhausted. It's surprising how tired a lack of vegetables and protein can make you!

“I hate going to bed on an empty stomach, but at least I’m only doing this for a week and I have a choice - the refugees don’t.”

To sponsor Rebecca, go to https://my.rationchallenge.org.uk/rebeccabrompton